Johnson played 235 games and kicked 70 goals in an era in which Collingwood competed in nine finals series.
2000
Johnson's journey begins on 13 March 2000 - a boiling hot Monday afternoon at the MCG when Collingwood began the Mick Malthouse era with a 54-point win over Hawthorn. Johnson surprised everyone with three goals and three behinds. He debuted alongside Josh Fraser, Damien Adkins and Leon Davis wearing the No. 31 jumper.
2001
Ready to take on the world in Gavin Brown's old No. 26 in his second season.
Collected high by James Hird on ANZAC Day; showcasing his soon-to-become trademark swivel of the hips to evade Shane Woewodin on the Queen's Birthday.
2002
Johnson celebrates with Nathan Buckley and Tarkyn Lockyer after Collingwood's one-point win over the Eagles at the MCG in round two.
Celebrating with Chris Tarrant, Shane Wakelin and Simon Prestigiacomo after the thrilling three-point win over Brisbane at Colonial Stadium in round eight.
Giving Mark Ricciuto the slip in the Preliminary Final.
2003
Sharing a laugh with Paul Licuria after defeating Fremantle in round 15.
Roar and the MCG roars with you. Johnson punches the air after kicking a goal during the first quarter avalanche in the opening term of the 2003 Preliminary Final against Port Adelaide.
Tangling with Jason Akermanis in the ill-fated 2003 Grand Final. Johnson was one of the few Magpies who could hold his head high after the 50-point shellacking.
2004
Experiencing the highs and lows of football in the space of six days at Telstra Dome. Johnson punches the air after his side's second win of the season against Adelaide in round nine. Only days earlier he was lamenting another loss, this time to St Kilda.
Johnson ended the season runner up (along with Paul Licuria and Shane Woewodin) in the Copeland Trophy behind James Clement. He received the Jason McCartney Medal as best afield in Collingwood's win over North Melbourne in round 10.
2005
Down in the dumps following a demoralising loss to Essendon on ANZAC Day.
2006
On his way to winning the ANZAC Day Medal against the Bombers during arguably his best season at the highest level.
"The winner of the 2006 ANZAC Day Medal is...Craig Johnson." Johnno's low profile meant that the MCG PA called him Craig instead of Ben as he headed out to receive his award.
Chasing down Adelaide's Scott Thompson in round 18. Johnson and Chris Tarrant were controversially selected to play after finding themselves involved in a fracas in Port Melbourne earlier that week.
2007
Named as one of Nathan Buckley and Mick Malthouse's three vice-captains alongside Josh Fraser and James Clement.
Pictured with the Peter Mac Cup after captaining the side to victory over Carlton in round seven.
Accepting the Coventry-Lockett Trophy after captaining Collingwood in its mid-season win over Sydney at Telstra Stadium in the absence of Nathan Buckley and James Clement.
Consoling Heath Shaw alongside his brother Rhyce after the heartbreaking five-point loss to Geelong in the Preliminary Final. Johnson did not see any of the September action after being suspended for six matches for a bump on Melbourne's Daniel Bell in round 20.
2008
Back in the side and back to his best against Richmond in round three.
Addressing the crowd after winning the Bob Rose-Charlie Sutton Medal in Collingwood's mid-season loss to the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome. Johnson again had the better of Jason Akermanis.
Leading the team off after the loss to the Western Bulldogs. Johnson's form tapered away dramatically in the second half of the year. He ended the season in the VFL with serious question marks over his place on the list.
2009
Johnson began the season back near his best but suffered a broken leg in the loss to Geelong in round three. He returned to the side in round 15 after a stint in the VFL and lapped up his side's one-point victory over the Dogs at Etihad Stadium in his first game back.
Celebrating with close mate Heath Shaw after his side's stirring comeback against the Crows in the 2009 Semi-Final. Johnson's two goals in the third quarter were vital to securing the five-point win.
2010
On the charge in his 200th senior game against Richmond in round 17.
Chaired off the MCG after his 200th game by Nick Maxwell and Alan Didak. By now, Johnson was back near career best form and a crucial part of Collingwood's charge to premiership glory.
Celebrating a goal in the Qualifying Final win over the Bulldogs.
Riding the wave of sound that engulfed the MCG after kicking Collingwood's seventh goal of the opening quarter in the 2010 Preliminary Final against Geelong. Johnson's goal, via a baulk around Geelong's Cameron Ling, was the moment that convinced most onlookers that the Pies were on their way to the Grand Final.
Yes! A pumped up encourages Harry O'Brien after the latter kicked an important goal during the second quarter of the Grand Final against St Kilda.
No! The moment that millions of football fans will never forget. With Collingwood leading by a point in the dying stages of the Grand Final, St Kilda's Lenny Hayes sent the ball deep inside 50 to a one-on-one: Johnson v Milne. A horrible bounce of the ball saw it bypass Johnson and sit metres in front of Milne. Somehow, the ball took a sharp turn and dribbled through for a behind. St Kilda's premiership dream was dashed - only to find out one week later. Johnson's ability to keep cool during the frantic final minutes as critical to his side's ability to cling on to a draw and secure a second chance.
Taking possession during the final quarter of the 52-point triumph in the Grand Final Replay.
Finally enjoying the sweet taste of success after so many years of coming so close to the ultimate prize.
The Rat Pack toast their involvement in Collingwood's 15th premiership. Johnson and Alan Didak were the sole survivors of the 2002 and 2003 Grand Final losses. Dane Swan was on the list in both seasons but did not receive the call up in September. Heath Shaw began training at the club during the 2003 finals series. Side By Side.
2011
Playing in 2011 as if it's 2001, cutting Port Adelaide to ribbons in the first round of the season.
Injuries begin to bite. Johnson hurt his hamstring early in Collingwood's win over the Western Bulldogs in round six and didn't reappear until round 17.
Bleeding for the cause in the epic 2011 Preliminary Final against Hawthorn.
Going for a run down centre wing on Grand Final Day against Geelong. Although his side faded out in the final quarter, Johnson was one of Collingwood's best.
2012
Motoring down the wing during Collingwood's thrilling one-point win over Essendon on ANZAC Day. Johnson was arguably Collingwood's second best player after the amazing Dane Swan (who had 42 possessions and three goals).
The siren sounds to mark Johnson's final ANZAC Day victory. And what a win it was.
Leads Collingwood off the Olympic Stadium alongside his old mate Chris Tarrant who bowed out in the Magpies' loss to Sydney in the Preliminary Final.
2013
Up to their old tricks during the pre-season at Gosch's Paddock.
Reeling after a corked thigh in round one against North Melbourne.
Taking on David Hale in his final game of league football in round three. Fittingly, it was against Hawthorn - the team against whom he debuted way back in March 2000. During the match, Johnson sustained a calf injury that would see him alternate between the medical room and the VFL where he continued to perform well when fit in memorable wins against Geelong and Essendon.
Friends for life.
Born and bred in the Diamond Valley. A product of Greensborough and the Preston Knights. A father who played for the club's reserves. A career in the number made famous by his hero Gavin Brown. One premiership and five Grand Finals. Ben Johnson IS Collingwood.
